Behavior Analysis in Practice: The Role of Performance-Based IISCA

Introduction

Functional behavior assessment plays a significant role in autism treatment. Behavioral analysts work to understand and effectively support individuals with autism by identifying the root causes of challenging behaviors.

A recent study by Tess Fruchtman, Joshua Jessel, Bai Pan, Shauntae McLeod, and Adithyan Rajaraman (2024) explores a new approach: Performance-Based Interview-Informed Synthesized Contingency Analysis (Performance-Based IISCA). This method offers a more efficient, trauma-informed, and practical way to assess and manage behavior while prioritizing the individual's safety.

This blog post will highlight:

• The challenges of traditional functional analysis methods
• The key features of Performance-Based IISCA
• A case study on its implementation with children
• How this approach leads to effective and socially meaningful treatment

Understanding Functional Behavior Analysis

What Is Functional Analysis?

Functional behavior analysis (FBA) is a process used to understand why a person engages in certain behaviors. The goal is to identify:

• The environmental triggers for challenging behaviors
• The reinforcement maintaining those behaviors
• Strategies to replace problem behaviors with more effective communication

One widely used method is the Interview-Informed Synthesized Contingency Analysis (IISCA), which synthesizes multiple reinforcement contingencies to assess behavior more holistically.

Problems with Traditional Functional Analysis

While functional analyses are effective, traditional approaches can have drawbacks:

• Distress to the individual – Exposure to reinforcing triggers in a contrived setting may provoke unnecessary distress.
• Lengthy assessment times – Traditional methods can take hours or days to yield conclusive results.
• Potential ethical concerns – Putting individuals through repeated exposure to aversive situations can conflict with trauma-informed care principles.

What Is Performance-Based IISCA?

Key Features of Performance-Based IISCA

Performance-Based IISCA is an advancement in functional behavior assessment that improves safety and efficiency. It provides:

• A faster assessment process – Findings are generated in under 10 minutes rather than extended trials.
• Minimal exposure to distressing stimuli – Only necessary triggers are introduced, reducing discomfort.
• An emphasis on synthesized reinforcement – The approach focuses on safe, controlled assessments that prioritize well-being.

How Performance-Based IISCA Compares to Traditional IISCA

While similar in methodology, Performance-Based IISCA differs in:

• Speed and efficiency – The streamlined process allows for quicker, real-time decision-making.
• Safety and ethical considerations – The reduced exposure to distressing stimuli aligns with trauma-informed care (TIC).
• Simpler implementation – The performance-based approach requires fewer resources and training.

Importance of Trauma-Informed Care (TIC)

Trauma-informed care is essential in behavior analysis because many individuals with autism have a history of aversive experiences. Performance-Based IISCA follows key TIC principles, including:

• Minimizing unnecessary distress to ensure a positive experience.
• Providing choice and autonomy to the individual when assessing behavior.
• Creating a respectful and supportive environment to foster trust and cooperation.

Case Study: Performance-Based IISCA in a Clinical Setting

Participants and Settings

Fruchtman et al. (2024) conducted their study on three children with autism in an outpatient clinic setting. The goal was to determine if Performance-Based IISCA could provide rapid and meaningful insights into their behaviors while ensuring a positive experience.

Each child:

• Had a history of challenging behaviors such as aggression, self-injury, or disruptive outbursts.
• Was assessed with the involvement of caregivers for a more comprehensive understanding.
• Received individualized skills-based treatment based on the results of the assessment.

Assessment Process

The assessment followed a structured approach:

1. Open-ended caregiver interviews to gather insight into the individual's preferences, sensitivities, and triggers.
2. Performance-Based IISCA implementation, where tailored contingencies were tested in a controlled and safe setting.
3. Behavior observation and data collection to determine the effectiveness of synthesized reinforcements.

Functional Communication Training (FCT)

One crucial aspect of the intervention was Functional Communication Training (FCT), which aimed to:

• Teach alternative communication skills that replaced problem behaviors.
• Increase complexity over time by gradually shaping responses towards more appropriate behavior.
• Introduce delays and denial procedures to help individuals tolerate mild frustration and build patience.

Results and Key Takeaways

The study found that Performance-Based IISCA was highly effective in promoting socially meaningful skill-based treatment. Key findings included:

• Behavioral assessments were completed in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.
• The children showed reduced distress during assessment, supporting a trauma-informed approach.
• Functional communication increased, with each child learning new, adaptive ways to express their needs.

Why This Matters for Behavior Analysts

For behavior analysts working with individuals with autism, Performance-Based IISCA provides a more ethical, efficient, and effective way to assess and treat challenging behaviors. Adopting this method can lead to:

• Faster intervention planning based on quick and reliable results.
• A safer assessment process that follows trauma-informed principles.
• Higher success rates in teaching functional communication skills with minimal distress.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The study by Fruchtman et al. (2024) demonstrates that Performance-Based IISCA offers a cutting-edge, trauma-informed approach to behavior assessment. By prioritizing both efficacy and ethics, this method ensures individuals can receive effective interventions without unnecessary distress.

To learn more, read the full study:
📖 Fruchtman, T., Jessel, J., Pan, B., McLeod, S., & Rajaraman, A. (2024). The Performance-Based IISCA Can Inform Effective and Socially Meaningful Skill-Based Treatment. Behavior Analysis in Practice. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-024-01036-7

Are you a behavior analyst looking to refine your assessment strategies? Consider implementing Performance-Based IISCA to improve outcomes while maintaining a trauma-informed approach. Let us know your thoughts in the comments! 🚀